Mecmesin Mecmesin AFI User manual

OPERATING MANUAL FOR AFI, ATI, AFG AND ATG
VERSION 1.6
Thank you for choosing this Mccmcsin instrument. \A/itll correct lise and regular rc-
calibration it \vill give many years of accurate and reliable service.
The M('cmesin AFJ is the latest in aseries of highly adaptable display units. By using the
],1\est integrated circuit technology it has been possible to produce atruly universal
display
,",1!licll can be used to measure force, torquc or weight when combined with
sUitable transducers.
BEFORE USE
Upon receiving the unit pk'ilSC cllCck that no pll)'sical damage has occurred to the
packaging l11iltcj"ial, plastic C<I$C or the instnonent itselF. If any damage is evident please
notify l'vlccmcsin immediately.

CONTENTS
TO GfT YOU GOING QUICKLY:
POWEJUNC UP
DISPLAY MODE
Al'l FOHCE CONFIGURATION
Al'l TORQUE CONFIGURATION
ZEHOING
MEASUREMENT UNITS
MAX READINGS .
USING THE ADVANCED MODES:
SETrING AND USE
ALARM MODE .
LOWER AND UPPEH ALARM POJNTS
ALARM OUTPUT
ALARl"l BAND
AUDIO ONLY OPTIONS
COMMUNICATIONS MODE
BAUD RATE
UNITS OPTION
TERMJNATION CHA!{ACTEHS
BYTE DELAY
LINE DELA Y
THANSMIT MODE
EXTRA MODE
AUTO OFF
1'00'1' SWITCH I .
FOOT SWITCH 2 .
DISPLAY UPDATE HATE + AVERAGE OVEH TIME
POLARn"Y SIGN
FREEZE READING
FIRST PEAl(
STAND HEVERSE
STAND REVERSE DIRECTION
CAVI'l)RE PERCENTAGE
OVEHLOAD COUNTER ..
EXTEHNAL OVF.I<LOAD COUNTER
FACTOI{Y DEFAUlT
ACCESSORIES:
EXTERNAL LOAD CELLS
CABLES .
APPENDICES:
A: QUICK REFERENCE CHARI'
B: MODE FLOW CHAHTS
C: FlHST PEAK EXAMPLE
D: DIMENSIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS DHAILS
J
J
J
2
2
2
3
4
S
5
5
S
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
9
9
9
10
10
JO
10
JJ
IJ
JJ
J2
12
12
J2
J4
JS-20
21
22

TO GET YOU GOING QUICKLY
Tile AF! has high resolution and spcC'd logctlWl" with lllall)' other advanced fealures,
JlOwcvef it 111a)' still be used as astraigll1-f()]"vviml inslrullH.'nl vvilhoUI dcdic;Hcd USCI'
kllOW]cdgl'.
Tile most cOJ1llllonly used features sud] i.lS force or torque display, maximulll reading
detection and tile changing of displayed units, can all be lls{'d l,viOl just Ol1e kl'~' press pl'f
function on the front panel.
POWERING UP:
With the control panel filcing you t!leH' Ivill be eight key pads visible, TIll' \vvo lower
ones are coloured red ,mel green. Pressing the green key Ivililum the instrument 011. A
short self lest nmv runs during whiell the display will SllOVV the software version number,
revision date and the instrumcnt's range in S.l. units of nwasurenwnL
After the sl'l( test
ilnd providing no load has been applied to tlw instrument the display
vvill sllmv all zeroes, this is because the unit re-i'.eJoes itself during tile self test routine.
Please note lilat an instrument with an integrallransduce!"
(AFC) measlll"ing wry 100v
forces may 1101 shmv I.ero if its altitude was changed during [he sell' test routine, i.e. the
unit \vas horizontal on atable and sul)sequl'J1tly picked up during or after tlw self test
J"Outil1c. This is because 011 light ranges of instrumcnt the mass of the transducer inside is
itself being weighed. This effect is eJltirely normal, once the unit is properly mounted
and zeroed till' reading will !Jl' totally stable.
DISPLAY MODE:
Provided no other kl'YS have been pressed the instrument will be in tile display mode.
This
is Ilw most commonly used mode. The dlspl,ly IS showing the actual rorce that h
!wing applied
10 the unit. If aforce is c(lfcfuJly applied via the sensing probe (hole at
bol\om or AFC, only) the reading on the display \vill be scen \0 register thiS applied
force. Take carl' with lovver range instrulllents not to oVl'rload till' transducer as this \!l/iJi
cause irreparable damage. In this display mode, forces or torques greater than 12{)IYil of
full scale
will produce aconstant sound \!l/arning coupled with an '-01.-' symbol on the
display. The instrulllellt keeps arecord of
all oVl'rloads that are applied, tllis can only be
cleared by tTilined Mecmesin staff or representatives.
AFI FORCE CONFIGURATION:
Tensile forces on the AH arc displayed as positivc numbers and compressive forces as
negative numbers, till.' minus sign appearing to the left of the digits vvhell shmvn. The
display also has symbols located at
tlw left vvhich directly relate to this sign (two
triangular
arrovvs pointing avvay from each otller for tension and tvvo triangular arrO\!l,!s
pointing tovvard each other for compression).
DIS~------'
_ 'JJ'_';:
:: f L._f ,_,
kg

AFI TORQUE CONFIGURATION:
TIlt:' display is equipped vvitll similar rotating alTOW symbols Wlllch will appear when the
unit is configured for torque. In this case, clockwise torques arc displayed ,IS positive
numbers and anticlockvvisc torques as negative numlw!"s. The arrows directly relate 10
the sign just like the tension and compression symbols described above.
ZEROING:
During the operation of till' instrument it is often necessary to zero the dbpla)/, for
instance if you have added afixture that you do not Ivanl to become part of til('
measured reading. This is achieved by pn:ssing tile "ZEI~O" key, l"ihidl is round on the
top row of keys in the middle. When the instrulllcnt is actually zeroing itself a rovvof
segments on the lOp and bottom of the display vvill be se('n to alternately blink once,
thh is to shovv you that the key press has been successful and tile re-zero has been
carried out.
MEASUREMENT UNITS:
The instrument is capable of displaying many differl'nt units of measurement some of
which include kilogrammes, grmllmes, pounds and Newtons. Torque based instruments
can also l1hplay mallY units including kilogramme.centillll'lTl'S, pound.feet,
pound.inches and Nc\'vton.metrcs.
rill' ac[uc1lunits available will v<lry depending on the range of the instrument. The mosl
suitable set of units is automatically selected \'1'ithin the instrument's operating
programme according to its range and type.
To change the display units press the "UNITS" key, which is found on tlle bottom row of
keys in the middle. The newly selected units will be shown at the bottom of the display.
Each successive key press will select the next available units until the instrument returns
to the original.

MAX
MAX READINGS:
The instrumcnt detects and stores an independent maximum (peak) force or torque in
both directions. By pressing the "l\lAX" key, whicll is found on the bottom rovv of keys
on the left, tile highest tcnsiJe/cJockvvisc load detected will be displayed along wHh the
tension syml)ol/cJockwisc arrmv as described above.
DISPLAY
IiJ'Oj
,Lt. ,_,_,
kg
Pressing the "lvIAX" key a second time will nov',' shmv the highest
comprcssive/antidockwise load detected <lIang vvith the compression
symbol/anticlocbvisc arrovv as dcscrilK'cl above.
DISPLAY
-
T
•
MAX
,,_, ,no
, '. 'Lf_'
kg
Aftcr noting the readings you may vl'ish to measure tile ncxt maximulll in your test
series. To
do this the instrument must first be fe-sct so that it is rCildy to detect the next
maximum (peak). Pressing the "RESEl" key, \vhich is found on the top rmv of keys on
the right, \'1'ill dear both maximum registers and prepare for detecting the next
maximum readings.
For maximum accuracy it is good practice to re-zero the instrument as well as just re-
setting before cach ncw test is carried out. As previously mentioned this is done by
pressing
the "ZERO" key. To make the instrument faster and eilsie!' to use we ll<lVe
designed it such th<lt pressing "ZERO" also l'e-sets the instrument at the same time.
Therefore if you decide to re~1.ero during tests, only one key press is required.
Note:
Apart from the preViously mentioned display symbols, the instmIllen! deab with
force and torque in exactly the same manner. Consequently, force will be used for
all further references in this manual.

USING THE ADVA;~CED MODES
Overview
The AFI has the following modes of operation other than the main display mode.
ALARM:
In this mode alarm points can be set and other features pertaining to the alarms can be
configured.
COM:
COM in this context stands for 'colllmunications'. This mode allovvs the serial HS232
and MITUTOYO outputs to be configured. Also the internal storage of readings and their
subsequent transmission arc dictated througll settings in this mode.
EXTRA:
The EXTRA mode allows all other instrument characteristics not preViously covered to be
configured.
SETTING AND USE
The other three operating modes arc selected in the rollovving manner.
Assuming the instrument is in the display mode, the "MODE" key (found on the top
rO\v to tlw left) is pressed and held for two seconds. This is to alleViate the possibility of
false selection
or inadvertent tampering. The current mode symbol (in thiS case
'DISPLA
Y') i'vill flash. This shovvs that the key press has been successful and the
instrUlllent is \'1'ailing for yOlI to press one of the mode selection keys. One of the
following mode keys may now be pressed, (their names are printed above or below the
keys in red), 'ALARl\;1', 'COt'vj' or 'EXTRA'. The selected mode will now be entered. Note
that the "MODE" key itself has the word 'DISPLAY' above it. ThiS is for selecting the
main display mode and can be pressed after the "MODE" key in just the ,~ame manner as
the other three modes. Also note that the "MODE" key need only be held for two
seconds
when leaving the display mode, asingle press is all that is required when
moving betw('en the other three non-display modes.
The follOWing descriptions of the other mode settings assumes that the instrument is in
its factory default state (see APPENDIX 1\), I.e. if the modes have already been viewed
and/or configured, then the modes may not appear in the same order as they are
described below.
Jf thiS is the case, within each mode the "lv'lC)RE" key should be pressed
until the require(1 display is found to match the one being described. The 'Mode flow
charts' in APPENDIX Bare very helpful when moving around the modes in this way.
Once a mode has bcen selected the reqUired instrument fcatures may be set-up as
follows.

ALARM MODE
Overview
The alarm feature operates by setting a band comprising of two force points, an upper
and 10\'\'('1", which arc uscr sclected. The alarm can now be configured so that, depending
on the users c!loice, abuzzer may sound and/or alight may change from green to red to
signify whether the test force has gone in or out of the selected band.
The 'ALAR]\-1' mode can be entered as described above in the section entitled 'SErnNG
AND USE'.
The alarm is set to operate by configuring the follmving parameters.
LOWER AND UPPER ALARM POINTS:
These are the actual force values that yOll vvish to usc as the lower and upper alarm band
points. The first point is /1OVV displayed, shovm by a '}' at the top of the display next to
the 'ALAR]"l' symboL The point is set or adjusted by pressing tile "UP" anel "DOWN"
arrmv keys.
Single key presses
increment or decrement the displayed valuc by one 'display count',
Le. 1/5000th of the full scale range in whichever units are currently being displayed.
Holding the key dovvn for 0.5 seconds \-vill activate an auto repeat feature vvhereby the
value \ .... 'ill incrc'l11enl or decrement slowly at first, and then after 100 display counts at
this rate, rapidly. \-\'he!l the required value is shown the first point is ready and the
second alarm point mode may new,' be entered.
Press the "MORE" key.
The second point (shown by a '2' at the top of the display next to the 'ALARlYf' symbol)
may !lOW be set or adjusted in exactly the same manner as described above for the first
point. The points need not necessarily be entered in order as; (point] =lov,'('r, point 2:::
upper). Note that in these two point setting modes the displayed units may be changed
and the current value converted by pressing the "UNITS" key. These arc actually the
same units as used by the main display mode so if changed here, the neWly selected
units \·vill appear upon return to the display mock Also each alarm point may be
transmitted to the current RS232 or MITUTOYO peripheral by prcssing the "TXD" key,
this
is useful for dovl'Il-loading tolerance values into data-loggers and other suitable
peripherals (the instrument can be used as a'l'vflTUTOYO DPI PRE-SETrEW). When the
reqUired value is shown, the second point is ready and the next mode may be entered.
Press
the "MORE" key.
ALARM OUTPUT:
As preViously mentioned the alarm can take the form of an audible or visual signal or
both.
Onc of the follOWing optlons may be set by pressing the "UP" and "DOWN" arrow keys:
'OFF' -There are no alarm outputs of any kind.
'Audio' "The buzzer only.
'LEd' -Tile visual
output of the LED'S only.
'both' -Tile buzzer and LED outputs both operate simultaneously.
When set press the "j\·IORE" key.
ALARM BAND:
The inslrumcnt can nmv be set SUdl that the alarm is activated \,vhen aforce value
occurs
either inside or outside of the selected band del'inecl-by the tVI'O alium pOints.
If 'iJl the band' is sclectc'cl, any displayed force nO\'\' falling inside the selected lower and
upper band points (inclusive) will activate the alarm as configured. If the LED output has
beeJl selected in the previous mode, t!wn the red LED will illuminate if the displayed

force falls inside the band. \Vhen tl1l' displayed force falls outside the band the green
LED will illuminalc.
If 'out of band' is s(;.'lectceJ, any displayed force now falling outside the selected 1000ver
and upper band points vvill activate the alarm as configuwd. If the LED output has been
selected in the previous mode, then tl1l' red LED will illuminate if the displayed force
falls outside the band. Whell the displayed force falls inside the band the green LED will
illuminate.
One of the following options may be set by pressing the "UP" and "])()VVN" anovv keys:
'outbd' - Out of band.
'inbd' -In the band.
When set press the "j'vl0RE" key.
AUDIO ONLY OPTIONS:
Tile buzzer can be configured to output in parallel vvitll either LED so that an audible
vvarning caube produced for pass or fail evellts. Also a pulse option is available if a
constant tone is not desirable.
One of the (ol!mving options Illay be set by pressing the "UP" and "DO\<\'N" arro\'v keys;
'FAIL' - The buzzer will output a constant tone along \'vith the red (FAIL) LED.
'PASS' - The buzzer \vilJ output a constant tone along vvith the gr('e!l (PASS) LED.
'PULSE' - The buzzer will output a short 'beep' whenever an alarm band point is crossed
from either direction.
This is the final 'ALARM' setting mode. Pressing the "ivl0RE" key at this point' \,vill return
the instrument to tlw first 'ALAIUvf POINT' mode and the cycle repeats.
To return to the main display mode al any time press the "j'vl0DE" key t\'I'ice, once to tell
the instrument to change to adifferent mode and again 10 select 'DISPLAY' as shovvn in
red above the "MODE" key.
COMMUNICATIONS MODE
The 'COM' mode can be entered as described above in Ole section entitled 'SETTING
AND USE',
BAUD RATE:
The baud rate only applies to the RS-232 port, and the same rate is used for bOlh
transmit and receive Jines.
One of the follOWing baud rates may be set by pressing the "UP" and "DOWN" arro\h,'
keys:
'300' '600' '1200' '2400' '4800' '9600' 'Inoo' '28800' 'S7600'
VVhen set press the "J'vIORE" key.
UNITS OPTION:
This mode tells tile instrument vvl1C'tl1C'1' to transmit just the number on the display or
the units of Illeasurement as vvell. This option only applies to the RS-232 port.
One of Ille follO\I\,'ing oplions Illay be set by pressing the "UP" and "DOWN" arrow keys:
'PLAIN' -Value only, no units arc sent.
'UNitS' - The current units arc appendeclto the value.
VVhen set press the "MORE" key.
TERMINATION CHARACTERS:
Certain printers will need to recdve acarriage r('\urn (Cr) or line feed (LFl character or